Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

Pasta and Noodles Pasta by Shape

This easy-to-make old-school macaroni and cheese has a perfectly crispy crust.

Servings per recipe: 6
Calories per serving: 695
Preparation time: 10m
Total cooking time: 55m

Ingredients:


  • 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:


  • 1   Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • 2   Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • 3   Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.
  • 4   Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.
  • 5   Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.
  • 6   Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Nutrion facts:


Total Fat 32.3g 50%
    Saturated Fat 20.0g  
Cholesterol 95mg 32%
Sodium 928mg 37%
Potassium 418mg 12%
Total Carbohydrates 72.8g 23%
Dietary Fiber 2.6g 10%
Protein 29.4g 59%
Sugars 8g  
Vitamin A 1126IU  
Vitamin C 0mg  
Calcium 572mg  
Iron 3mg  
Thiamin 1mg  
Niacin 12mg  
Vitamin B6 0mg  
Magnesium 71mg  
Folate 204mcg